I am a choose and cut tree farmer in south MS and my sales have dropped the last two years. I have stayed in a fair price range over the last twenty two years. Some farmers have let greed take over and are pushing people toward the china made trees. Sad thing is there will be a lot of children that will not get to experience running through a field and finding the perfect tree.
Nailed it. Anyone can complain about the price of trees, but I see a lot of people spend a lot of money on fairly pointless things like cars, toys, tech, and dining out. Unfortunately, few put value on experiences.
@@WoodsTreeFarm Look at what people will spend on flowers! But they complain about the price of a Christmas tree. I ran a check on inflation and found that trees today are very close to the prices we charged back in the '70's. We were a high end lot back then and people did have the opportunity to buy trees at far lower prices from chain stores trying to get people to buy their ornaments, lights etc.. But we had many people who bought the cheap trees come to us after the cheap trees fell apart.
We are in Williamsburg and since 2000 my family (and now with grandkids) drove out to Giles County (want fraser fir). In the last couple of years we switched to a place east of Christiansburg as the farm we used to go to got overcrowded and poor tree selection (moved focus to year round revenue, ie pumpkins, corn maze- lost tree expertise). We will always be real tree families for the experience and love of a real tree.
i have people that do the exact same thing. Pull in like they own the place and just walk back wherever they want without talking to any one. I find it very DISRESPECTFUL. We need a check in booth as well.
NE texas here and this was the first year there were never any live trees for sale at walmart, lowes or home depot. The guys that used to set up and sell in parking lots dissapeared a few years ago.
We bit the bullet and went artificial this year finally. Spending $200 for a mediocre real tree year after year finally wore us down. I also got absolutely sick of the hassle. We got a 9' beautiful pre-lit tree for $350. It will have already paid for itself next Christmas.
I'm 2hrs north of NYC. Since 2019 every local cut your own place has either sold or closed early because they just plain sold out of trees. One major one didnt even open this year, I believe they allow people to preselect trees so they didnt need to open. 39yrs old, never had a fake and only paid for 4 trees.
We used to get a real tree, but went artificial for price, safety, cleanliness, and hassle. Real trees became too expensive, can't recall the exact price but it was enough to push us away. After we got the fake tree I realized I didn't have to check the water levels all the time, and sweep every day. By the time Christmas was over it was a dried up fire hazard. Spent $60 for a fake 7ft pencil tree. No driving to get it, sets up in minutes and has lasted 5 years with no problems. I get that its cool tradition, but we don't miss it one bit.
Real trees in my area are just way too expensive now to make it a worth while purchase. For context a 8 foot tall tree that is not scraggly to all hell will probably run me around $300 minimum. Average price for the 6-8 foot range falling into the $200-300 range. That makes it really hard to justify such a purchase when you can get a pre-lit LED one that actually looks really good and will last you multiple years for the same price or another $100 on top of the real tree price. Now I personally prefer the real tree due to the smells, feels, and looks of it and my cats love the real one also. But with the insane prices cannot handle that anymore.
I've had artificial for YEARS. But no pre-lit. That just adds unneeded cost and problems. LED lights are so cheap if they fail after a few years, replace them. One quality artificial tree will last many, many years unless you have pets or kids that damage it.
My wife and I bought an artificial tree (not pre-lit) 14 years ago. Bought it the day after Christmas for like $60. Still going strong today. Just don’t buy a pre-lot tree and it should last for a long time.
The guy that sets up in my neighborhood was charging $180 for an 8 ft fir, I don't think he realized how many artificial trees he sold this year 🙃. He's tacked on 30 or $20 a year for the last few years, He's the expensive one for sure in our area, But the quicker you make the payback on a fake tree the more likely someone will buy one
With the prices we have seen around here, we ended up with the smallest tree we have ever had. We saw trees for as much as $280. At that kind of price a fake tree starts to make sense. We hate the fake trees so always get real trees but the prices are getting a bit crazy.
@WoodsTreeFarm it's one of the privileges living near the vast northern California wilderness. Wishing you success on your farm, always sounded like a fun venture to me!
@@thomasfahey8314 Most those people that get those trees say those trees suck. I had customers at my tree farm this season saying they only have to pay $5 for state land tree but the trees are very weak branches and thin, and not very great trees. Said they are no where near a farmed fresh christmas tree. Said they did it last year but this year they’d rather have one of mine.
I agree the economic argument doesn’t make sense, unless you’re happy with a cheap fake tree. I hope that next year is a better one for you. Will you be considering an increased marketing budget?
A lot about artificial trees in the comments. The tree farm closest to me does booming business. Trees there are $70 unless over 8ft. The weekend after Thanksgiving they are so crowded it backs up traffic on the road. People wait hours. I was recently at a medical office and the tech was trying to find a nice tree farm to cut a tree from and was having trouble, so there is demand in my area. I figure when the trees I have in the ground are salable, pricing will be around $100 and be pretty reasonable. I know some people would be willing to pay a little more to avoid the big crowds at the farm down the road. I certainly would. I love the reservation idea for cut your own. I would (will?) operate by appointment/reservation to start for sure. Control the pace of the day and number of trees cut a lot easier that way. We only have 180 trees in the ground now, but that will increase by 160 this coming spring. I’ve been trying varieties and seeing how they do. Canaan fir seems to be a strong grower. I have Balsams and Frasers too. Fralsam is also becoming popular here in NH, but planting stock for that is harder to get.
I don't use the reservation system to manage traffic or staffing, though I've talked to some farms who do that. I use it to manage my inventory. The people who have paid a deposit on a tree can come anytime we're open. I don't care if we get a little busy and people have to wait at times. Actually, My GOAL is to get to the point where we have a traffic problem. If we're so busy cars are backed up on the road, I'll feel successful! However, I keep making operational changes to increase capacity and improve throughput. I've increased my parking area a couple times now. I have adequate paid staff on hand and pay them well. Being busy is a good thing and adds to the festive environment. If there are a bunch of customers hanging out around our fire pit, or waiting to get their tree baled, maybe they'll talk to one another and share the joy of their experience.
looking at prices, where i live and real xmas trees would offset the fake 1 in 3-4 years... and the lack of pain for cleaning after it and all the other issues, i would say, fake trees 100% are worth it some of the really nice ones it would take only 2, maybe 3 years (depending on the size of the real tree) for the fake one to be cheaper
I didn't discuss pricing and intentionally shy away from some details that I think should remain private. We stocked the full range of precuts from $50-$200. I think the problem some people have is they recall getting a nice 8ft tree for $70 and now $70 gets you a 5ft tree.
On my Tree Farm I've ran a special the past two years - $50/tree, you cut, you carry. I don't do any trimming, fertilizer, or much in the way of weed/grass control. It keeps costs low - I'm far cheaper than the pre-cut lots but not everyone wants an untrimmed tree (plus in my area I can't grow fir so I'm stuck with spruce only which further hurts demand) Most of my business is live trees though, the Christmas trees are just a sideline to bring in a bit of winter income and its enjoyable.
Side products now and a seasonal store eventually that has baked goods, local canned goods like jam & preserves, maple syrup, etc. A seasonal Christmas tree maze.( maybe), and the imagination takes over. Diversify within your environment. Depend on local sources and enjoy. Oh, and work your guts out, but you knew that!! Cheers 🇨🇦
Sad to see people in the comments choose a fake tree for the sake of convenience. You never bought a real tree because it was economically optimal. You bought it for the ritual which gives experience with your family and friends. Too busy doom scrolling to appreciate the sweetness of life, I suppose.
Not everyone has a job or life that can support such a temporary purchase around the holiday season. Especially if they are already hurting financially due to buying gifts for kids and family.
@ If you can’t afford it that’s totally understandable. I’ve been there and my heart goes out to you. But most of the comments are regarding convenience.
I'm not a fan of artificial because of all the chemicals in them. And when thrown out they are going to sit in a landfill for basically forever. Plus i love the smell of a real tree, especially compared to new plastic smell from overseas.
Smart thinking. Ever think of selling to landscapers during the year out of your farm for home transplants? Or in container trees? How were fire wood sales by your customers? Always think out of the box. Great job in regards to the decision on quality of trees to your customers. Do you add your trees to your pond for fish habitat? That could be another idea for an activity for your customers. Catch and release fishing? During the year on special weekends. Just trying to think how to do things that won't cost much additional output to accomplish. Hope these ideas help and time to rent a good shredder for nice pine mulch. Just another idea for that continued snell in people's gardens. 🤔 Have a great Christmas and great job once again.
I might get into selling live trees down the road. I know it can be good business. I'd need additional supplies and equipment I don't have currently. I'd also need state inspections and a nursery license.
@@nelsonridgefarm the online groups I follow echo the same. Some who have said they always sell out still have trees left over. The consumer response appears to be widespread.
We never much luck getting good trees since friends family closed there tree growing operation so we got a artificial tree cause people price themselves out of business my tree is ten years old and looks brand new and haven't even had to replace a light bulb in the strand use to love to take kind out to get a tree but since his operation closed wasn't the same my opinion good luck like they said hook up with nursery and sell to them only thing is can you give a warranty and for how long not knowing if people will water it and take care of it
I don't know. We only did 50 from the field. Most of them were new customers who probably would have gone to a different farm rather than getting one of our precuts. We pushed for ~25% growth and missed the mark. Can't with them all.
@ yeah Iam ALWAYS worried when I write that check to the wholesaler. I think we are pretty close to our max precuts we can do. I might do 10% more next season but that’s probably it. We have a couple years til we can cut thinking about year 7
I have to say , I dont know many people who still do the tree thing I helped a friend put up an artificial tree in her business but as you might have predicted, the lights did not work and the tree was only a few years old. I am going to guess that in many parts of the country the party is already over
Why would you shut down with almost a week left? Back in the '70's we usually sold out a few days before Christmas. But we did have a couple years where we went all the way until late on Christmas eve. When you grow and sell Christmas trees you don't plan parties until Christmas day. From your videos I am starting to get the feeling that your main business is firewood. As I have said before, I don't know your market. But if you still have 90 trees left, why not just leave them up and allow people to drop their money in a box and take a tree. Sure, some will just take the tree without paying but many will put money in the box. It is more profitable than just throwing them away.
That's literally what every farm does... They grow a crop or animal, just to kill it for a product. Would you rather those products not be made? I think not. Christmas tree farms provide jobs, habitat for animals, and environmental benefits over the field being used for row crops as it would undoubtedly be used for otherwise as land owners have to do something with the land to pay for itself.
I am a choose and cut tree farmer in south MS and my sales have dropped the last two years. I have stayed in a fair price range over the last twenty two years. Some farmers have let greed take over and are pushing people toward the china made trees. Sad thing is there will be a lot of children that will not get to experience running through a field and finding the perfect tree.
Nailed it. Anyone can complain about the price of trees, but I see a lot of people spend a lot of money on fairly pointless things like cars, toys, tech, and dining out. Unfortunately, few put value on experiences.
@@WoodsTreeFarm Look at what people will spend on flowers! But they complain about the price of a Christmas tree. I ran a check on inflation and found that trees today are very close to the prices we charged back in the '70's. We were a high end lot back then and people did have the opportunity to buy trees at far lower prices from chain stores trying to get people to buy their ornaments, lights etc.. But we had many people who bought the cheap trees come to us after the cheap trees fell apart.
We are in Williamsburg and since 2000 my family (and now with grandkids) drove out to Giles County (want fraser fir). In the last couple of years we switched to a place east of Christiansburg as the farm we used to go to got overcrowded and poor tree selection (moved focus to year round revenue, ie pumpkins, corn maze- lost tree expertise). We will always be real tree families for the experience and love of a real tree.
that's a pretty good drive for a tree! I'm sure you family has so many fond memories of this annual tradition
i have people that do the exact same thing. Pull in like they own the place and just walk back wherever they want without talking to any one. I find it very DISRESPECTFUL. We need a check in booth as well.
NE texas here and this was the first year there were never any live trees for sale at walmart, lowes or home depot. The guys that used to set up and sell in parking lots dissapeared a few years ago.
Nothing beats a real tree.❤❤
We bit the bullet and went artificial this year finally. Spending $200 for a mediocre real tree year after year finally wore us down. I also got absolutely sick of the hassle. We got a 9' beautiful pre-lit tree for $350. It will have already paid for itself next Christmas.
I'm 2hrs north of NYC. Since 2019 every local cut your own place has either sold or closed early because they just plain sold out of trees. One major one didnt even open this year, I believe they allow people to preselect trees so they didnt need to open. 39yrs old, never had a fake and only paid for 4 trees.
The one that didn't open could have gotten over-harvested the past couple years when demand was crazy high.
We used to get a real tree, but went artificial for price, safety, cleanliness, and hassle. Real trees became too expensive, can't recall the exact price but it was enough to push us away. After we got the fake tree I realized I didn't have to check the water levels all the time, and sweep every day. By the time Christmas was over it was a dried up fire hazard. Spent $60 for a fake 7ft pencil tree. No driving to get it, sets up in minutes and has lasted 5 years with no problems. I get that its cool tradition, but we don't miss it one bit.
Real trees in my area are just way too expensive now to make it a worth while purchase. For context a 8 foot tall tree that is not scraggly to all hell will probably run me around $300 minimum. Average price for the 6-8 foot range falling into the $200-300 range.
That makes it really hard to justify such a purchase when you can get a pre-lit LED one that actually looks really good and will last you multiple years for the same price or another $100 on top of the real tree price. Now I personally prefer the real tree due to the smells, feels, and looks of it and my cats love the real one also. But with the insane prices cannot handle that anymore.
@@DenemeDokio wow that's a lot! I haven't heard of those kinds of prices but it doesn't surprise me.
I've had artificial for YEARS. But no pre-lit. That just adds unneeded cost and problems. LED lights are so cheap if they fail after a few years, replace them. One quality artificial tree will last many, many years unless you have pets or kids that damage it.
My wife and I bought an artificial tree (not pre-lit) 14 years ago. Bought it the day after Christmas for like $60. Still going strong today. Just don’t buy a pre-lot tree and it should last for a long time.
The guy that sets up in my neighborhood was charging $180 for an 8 ft fir, I don't think he realized how many artificial trees he sold this year 🙃. He's tacked on 30 or $20 a year for the last few years, He's the expensive one for sure in our area, But the quicker you make the payback on a fake tree the more likely someone will buy one
The wholesale prices the last few years have gone crazy. Transportation costs also have gone nuts. We're in for a correction.
With the prices we have seen around here, we ended up with the smallest tree we have ever had. We saw trees for as much as $280. At that kind of price a fake tree starts to make sense. We hate the fake trees so always get real trees but the prices are getting a bit crazy.
@@jamestrimble5680 that's a lot. I'd hope that price was for an exceptionally nice and large tree.
I live near national forest service land, people around here get a $10 permit and take a hike to find a tree.
I think that's awesome! Nothing like that around here.
@WoodsTreeFarm it's one of the privileges living near the vast northern California wilderness. Wishing you success on your farm, always sounded like a fun venture to me!
@@thomasfahey8314
Most those people that get those trees say those trees suck. I had customers at my tree farm
this season saying they only have to pay $5 for state land tree but the trees are very weak branches and thin, and not very great trees. Said they are no where near a farmed fresh christmas tree. Said they did it last year but this year they’d rather have one of mine.
@jacobskiba3874 it's true, they are much thinner.
Fake trees are like gas fireplace. Both business killers for us. Take care
I agree the economic argument doesn’t make sense, unless you’re happy with a cheap fake tree. I hope that next year is a better one for you. Will you be considering an increased marketing budget?
A lot about artificial trees in the comments. The tree farm closest to me does booming business. Trees there are $70 unless over 8ft. The weekend after Thanksgiving they are so crowded it backs up traffic on the road. People wait hours. I was recently at a medical office and the tech was trying to find a nice tree farm to cut a tree from and was having trouble, so there is demand in my area. I figure when the trees I have in the ground are salable, pricing will be around $100 and be pretty reasonable. I know some people would be willing to pay a little more to avoid the big crowds at the farm down the road. I certainly would. I love the reservation idea for cut your own. I would (will?) operate by appointment/reservation to start for sure. Control the pace of the day and number of trees cut a lot easier that way. We only have 180 trees in the ground now, but that will increase by 160 this coming spring. I’ve been trying varieties and seeing how they do. Canaan fir seems to be a strong grower. I have Balsams and Frasers too. Fralsam is also becoming popular here in NH, but planting stock for that is harder to get.
I don't use the reservation system to manage traffic or staffing, though I've talked to some farms who do that. I use it to manage my inventory. The people who have paid a deposit on a tree can come anytime we're open. I don't care if we get a little busy and people have to wait at times. Actually, My GOAL is to get to the point where we have a traffic problem. If we're so busy cars are backed up on the road, I'll feel successful! However, I keep making operational changes to increase capacity and improve throughput. I've increased my parking area a couple times now. I have adequate paid staff on hand and pay them well. Being busy is a good thing and adds to the festive environment. If there are a bunch of customers hanging out around our fire pit, or waiting to get their tree baled, maybe they'll talk to one another and share the joy of their experience.
looking at prices, where i live and real xmas trees would offset the fake 1 in 3-4 years... and the lack of pain for cleaning after it and all the other issues, i would say, fake trees 100% are worth it
some of the really nice ones it would take only 2, maybe 3 years (depending on the size of the real tree) for the fake one to be cheaper
Sorry if I missed it, but what is your average price/tree?
I didn't discuss pricing and intentionally shy away from some details that I think should remain private. We stocked the full range of precuts from $50-$200. I think the problem some people have is they recall getting a nice 8ft tree for $70 and now $70 gets you a 5ft tree.
@@WoodsTreeFarm This is a fair summary without giving out your income statement/tax returns
On my Tree Farm I've ran a special the past two years - $50/tree, you cut, you carry. I don't do any trimming, fertilizer, or much in the way of weed/grass control. It keeps costs low - I'm far cheaper than the pre-cut lots but not everyone wants an untrimmed tree (plus in my area I can't grow fir so I'm stuck with spruce only which further hurts demand)
Most of my business is live trees though, the Christmas trees are just a sideline to bring in a bit of winter income and its enjoyable.
Side products now and a seasonal store eventually that has baked goods, local canned goods like jam & preserves, maple syrup, etc. A seasonal Christmas tree maze.( maybe), and the imagination takes over.
Diversify within your environment. Depend on local sources and enjoy.
Oh, and work your guts out, but you knew that!! Cheers 🇨🇦
Sad to see people in the comments choose a fake tree for the sake of convenience.
You never bought a real tree because it was economically optimal. You bought it for the ritual which gives experience with your family and friends. Too busy doom scrolling to appreciate the sweetness of life, I suppose.
Not everyone has a job or life that can support such a temporary purchase around the holiday season. Especially if they are already hurting financially due to buying gifts for kids and family.
@ If you can’t afford it that’s totally understandable. I’ve been there and my heart goes out to you. But most of the comments are regarding convenience.
I'm not a fan of artificial because of all the chemicals in them. And when thrown out they are going to sit in a landfill for basically forever. Plus i love the smell of a real tree, especially compared to new plastic smell from overseas.
Smart thinking. Ever think of selling to landscapers during the year out of your farm for home transplants? Or in container trees? How were fire wood sales by your customers? Always think out of the box. Great job in regards to the decision on quality of trees to your customers. Do you add your trees to your pond for fish habitat? That could be another idea for an activity for your customers. Catch and release fishing? During the year on special weekends. Just trying to think how to do things that won't cost much additional output to accomplish. Hope these ideas help and time to rent a good shredder for nice pine mulch. Just another idea for that continued snell in people's gardens. 🤔 Have a great Christmas and great job once again.
I might get into selling live trees down the road. I know it can be good business. I'd need additional supplies and equipment I don't have currently. I'd also need state inspections and a nursery license.
How was fire wood sales during Christmas tree sales?
@@danradtke1663Sold some bundles and small stacks. A couple hundred $$ worth, nothing huge.
Phil, seems we’ve had similar comments from farmers across Tennessee, so far. -Brad
@@nelsonridgefarm the online groups I follow echo the same. Some who have said they always sell out still have trees left over. The consumer response appears to be widespread.
We never much luck getting good trees since friends family closed there tree growing operation so we got a artificial tree cause people price themselves out of business my tree is ten years old and looks brand new and haven't even had to replace a light bulb in the strand use to love to take kind out to get a tree but since his operation closed wasn't the same my opinion good luck like they said hook up with nursery and sell to them only thing is can you give a warranty and for how long not knowing if people will water it and take care of it
Hey Phil, wondering if some of the tree sales went to Trees cut from your field. I only increased my order by about 10% this year.
I don't know. We only did 50 from the field. Most of them were new customers who probably would have gone to a different farm rather than getting one of our precuts. We pushed for ~25% growth and missed the mark. Can't with them all.
@ yeah Iam ALWAYS worried when I write that check to the wholesaler. I think we are pretty close to our max precuts we can do. I might do 10% more next season but that’s probably it. We have a couple years til we can cut thinking about year 7
I have to say , I dont know many people who still do the tree thing
I helped a friend put up an artificial tree in her business but as you might have predicted, the lights did not work and the tree was only a few years old.
I am going to guess that in many parts of the country the party is already over
I hope it worked out ok for you
Why would you shut down with almost a week left? Back in the '70's we usually sold out a few days before Christmas. But we did have a couple years where we went all the way until late on Christmas eve. When you grow and sell Christmas trees you don't plan parties until Christmas day. From your videos I am starting to get the feeling that your main business is firewood.
As I have said before, I don't know your market. But if you still have 90 trees left, why not just leave them up and allow people to drop their money in a box and take a tree. Sure, some will just take the tree without paying but many will put money in the box. It is more profitable than just throwing them away.
I stated why in the video. These trees were all cut ~5-6 weeks ago and I'm not going to sell trees I think are of questionable quality.
Yes, after 30 years of buying real trees the cost simply doesn’t make sense anymore. Sorry, Never going back
You don't have to apologize to me. I'm sorry you didn't have a real tree experience you felt was worth holding on to.
Alf figured it out long ago, you have to keep the fake tree for 25 years to break even 😂😂
Used to love that show.
I feel the same about the tree business as I do the flower industry. What a waste of resources growing something just to cut it down and kill it.
Those products are grown because they bring joy to those who purchase it.
That's literally what every farm does... They grow a crop or animal, just to kill it for a product. Would you rather those products not be made? I think not.
Christmas tree farms provide jobs, habitat for animals, and environmental benefits over the field being used for row crops as it would undoubtedly be used for otherwise as land owners have to do something with the land to pay for itself.
Always do something for the eye.